Celebrating the Heart of the Community: 2025 Volunteers Christmas Dinner

The Norwood Concert Hall came alive on Wednesday 26 November for the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters’ annual Volunteers Christmas Dinner, a much-loved event that honours over 225 individuals who give their time, energy and compassion to strengthen the local community.

Hosted by Mayor Robert Bria, the evening brought together dozens of volunteers, elected members and special guests including Hon Vincent Tarzia MP, Ms Cressida O’Hanlon MP (representing Hon Nat Cook), and Mr Hamilton Calder, Chief Executive Officer of Volunteering SA/NT.

“Volunteers are the heartbeat of our community; the glue that holds clubs, associations and neighbourhoods together,” says Mayor Bria.

In his address, Mayor Bria paid tribute to the remarkable contributions of the City’s volunteers, emphasising their irreplaceable role in fostering connection, compassion and community spirit.

“Volunteering is not just about showing up, it’s about showing up with purpose. It’s about believing that even the smallest act of kindness can ripple outward and change someone’s day, and in many cases, change someone’s life.”

Guests enjoyed entertainment from Jazz it Up, festive dining and raffle prizes, while the night’s true focus was on recognising the achievements and long-standing service of the City’s Volunteers.

Reflecting on the 2025 National Volunteer Week theme, Connecting Communities, Mayor Bria noted that the message captures the essence of what volunteers do every day.

“Who better than volunteers to facilitate and nurture connections? In a world where social isolation is a growing concern, your work reminds us that a friendly face and a helping hand can make all the difference.”

Recognising Years of Service

This year, 36 volunteers were recognised for their outstanding commitment and service, with awards presented across 5, 10 and 20-year milestones.

5 Years of Service

• Julianne Ben – Pet Care and Aged Care Visitor
• Jennifer Chen – Events Volunteer
• Mike Baldwin – Justice of the Peace and Graffiti Removal
• Chang Cao – Aged Care Visitor
• Savia Coelho – Friends of the Billabong
• Catherine Cox – Borthwick Park
• Peter Duffy – Borthwick Park
• Andrew Dyson – Borthwick Park
• Peter Hastwell – Friends of the Billabong
• John Legg – Borthwick Park
• Christel Mex – Borthwick Park
• Naven Naidoo – Friends of the Billabong
• Andrew Pascoe – Borthwick Park
• Glenys Ravaene – Libraries
• Joe Theil – Graffiti Removal
• Sara White – Borthwick Park
• John Patterson – Justice of the Peace

10 Years of Service 

• Henry Andryszczak – Friends of the Billabong
• Christopher Bennett – Friends of the Billabong
• Marcelle Bennett – Friends of the Billabong
• Barbara Rowe – Friends of the Billabong
• Greg Wilmot – Friends of the Billabong
• Kate Eatts – Libraries and Aged Care Visitor
• Joanne Wilmot – Friends of the Billabong
• Kerry-Anne McVeigh – Pet Care
• Georgy Ewing – Events
• Jim Harvey – Justice of the Peace & Friends of the Billabong
• Sonia McCarron – Events
• Sudhir Thakur – Justice of the Peace
• Nadia McLaren – Friends of the Billabong
• Lee Tong – Library and Children’s Programs
• Bronwyn Westcott – Friends of the Billabong
• Jacqui Zientara – Stepping Out
• Meredith Scottney-Turbill – Friends of the Billabong

20 Years of Service

• Smilijka Pasic – Libraries Processing
• Colin Gameau – Home Libraries Deliverer

Before the evening concluded, Mayor Bria expressed heartfelt appreciation to all who dedicate their time to the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters.

“We show that when we come together, we can lift each other higher than we ever could alone.

“Cheers to an incredible year and to an even brighter one ahead.”

Ever thought about becoming a volunteer but don’t know where to start?

Visit our website or contact our Volunteer Services Coordinator on 8366 4555, to see what Programs we offer, visit: https://www.npsp.sa.gov.au/our_community/volunteering